The Importance of Self-Care While Grieving

Grief is a deeply personal and challenging experience that can take a toll on both our emotional and physical well-being. Whether mourning the loss of a loved one, a significant relationship, or even a cherished pet, the process of grieving can feel overwhelming. During this turmoil, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. However, self-care during grief is not only important but essential for healing and moving forward.

There’s  often a focus on resilience and ‘getting on with it,’ but it’s crucial to recognise that grief is not something to be pushed aside or rushed through. Grief is a journey that requires time, patience, and, importantly, self-compassion. Self-care, in this context, is about more than just physical health; it’s about nurturing your emotional and mental well-being too.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in self-care during grief is acknowledging and accepting your feelings. Grief can manifest in many ways - sadness, guilt, anger, confusion, or even numbness. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel these emotions without judgment.

Maintain Physical Health

Grief can be exhausting, and it’s not uncommon for physical health to suffer as a result. Sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and a lack of energy are all common during periods of intense grief. However, maintaining physical health is an important aspect of self-care. Try to establish a routine that includes regular meals, adequate sleep, and gentle exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block. These small acts of care can help stabilise your body and provide a sense of normality during a chaotic time.

Connect with Others

While it’s important to take time for yourself, connecting with others can also be a vital part of self-care. Talking to friends, family, or a support group can provide comfort and remind you that you are not alone in your grief. There are many community organisations and services dedicated to supporting those who are grieving, from local support groups to online forums. Sometimes, just knowing that others have experienced similar feelings can be incredibly reassuring.

One group that I am part of is the Motherless Daughters Private Support Group on Facebook. Interacting with other women who have experienced a similar loss and are navigating the same emotions has been comforting. The shared connection and understanding within this community have provided me with a sense of support and solidarity that has been invaluable during my grief journey.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy

It may seem difficult to find joy in activities you once loved, but engaging in hobbies or interests can be a valuable form of self-care. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or watching your favourite TV show, these activities can provide a much-needed break from the intensity of grief. They offer moments of respite and can help you reconnect with a sense of normalcy.

After my mum passed, I took up watercolour painting. There was something soothing about staring at dabs of colour and creating flowers in different shapes and hues. I wasn’t very good at it, but it brought me a sense of comfort and helped to quiet my racing mind. The simple act of painting became a peaceful escape during a difficult time.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing grief. These practices encourage you to focus on the present moment, which can help reduce anxiety and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by your emotions.

I subscribed to Hay House’s Empower You app, which is something I don’t usually do when it comes to apps. However, I was drawn to it because it offers a massive catalog of meditations, along with audiobooks, podcasts, and lessons on spiritual topics that I'm really interested in. It’s been a great resource for both relaxation and personal growth.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, self-care means recognising when you need professional support. If you find that your grief is overwhelming and impacting your daily life, seeking help from a psychologist, counsellor, or grief specialist can be an important step. I found a wonderful Psychologist that helped me work through the complex things I was feeling.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but self-care is essential for navigating this difficult time.

Sometimes, elaborate forms of self-care simply aren’t feasible. I know this all too well, as I still had to care for two young children, look after two dogs, manage a household, and juggle countless responsibilities. However, I found that even small steps made a significant difference. Simple acts like taking a walk on the beach, enjoying a hot bath, listening to healing music, receiving Reiki, and spending time with friends helped me immensely. These small moments of self-care provided me with the strength and calm I needed to keep going.